Re: HB 4011

To Whom it May Concern:

I appreciate your organization expressing concern over HB4011.

First, false information is purposefully being put out about HB4011 and I want to set the record straight. The Bill does not preclude a physician from balance billing, billing or suing a patient over an unpaid debt. Further, it does not prevent a judgment obtained by a provider from being reported to a credit reporting agency. The bill simply provides that if a provider wants to report an overdue account to a credit reporting agency, they must first have disclose the price; or, obtain a judgment.

Nothing in my bill mandates price disclosure by anyone.

Second, I have heard concerns from others and have proposed amendments to address those (although I am told TMA will oppose any bill dealing with price transparency). The most notable amendment I have proposed is one limiting the disclosures to the top 25 “shoppable” medical events.

Third and finally, as you will recall I have had several meetings with your group about the idea of price transparency legislation. At the outset, I asked your groups to work with me (not against me) to find a reasonable solution. I distinctly remember being assured that this would happen. However, it has not, and appears that your group has decided to ignore me (and the people I proudly represent who are struggling to pay for healthcare and health insurance).

Perhaps, in the future, your organization will reconsider your position of ignoring my price transparency legislation and working against it. If you do reconsider, I will be more than happy to work with you to come up with good policy for all Texans.

For any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my office at (512) 463-0542.

Respectfully,

Dustin Burrows